The New York Rangers are in a tailspin. Sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference with only 3 wins in their last 14 games, it’s clear that change was needed. After shipping Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks, GM Chris Drury has swung another deal, this time sending young forward Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken.
The Kaapo Kakko Trade Breakdown:
The New York Rangers traded Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken for defenseman Will Borgen, a 2025 third-round pick, and a 2026 sixth-round pick.
My Take:
This trade has sent shockwaves through the NHL. While Kakko hasn’t quite lived up to his potential as the second overall pick in 2019, he’s still a highly skilled 23-year-old with plenty of upside. It seems Drury is prioritizing a more immediate return, perhaps looking to bolster the Rangers’ defense and add some grit.
Will Borgen is a solid, stay-at-home defenseman who will bring a physical presence to the Rangers’ blue line. He’s not going to light up the scoreboard, but he’s reliable in his own end and will help solidify their defensive core. The draft picks provide some future assets, but this trade is clearly about the here and now for the Rangers.
What’s Next for Kaapo Kakko?
“Kaapo is a young dynamic forward who brings skill and offense to our club,” Kraken GM Ron Francis said in a statement. “We’re excited to have him join us.”
It’s a fresh start for Kakko, who was clearly frustrated with his role in New York. He recently voiced his displeasure about being benched by Coach Peter Laviolette, and it seems the relationship had soured. In Seattle, he’ll have an opportunity to play a more prominent role and potentially rediscover his scoring touch.
This trade is a gamble for both teams. The Rangers are hoping Borgen can make an immediate impact and that the draft picks will pay off down the line. The Kraken, on the other hand, are betting on Kakko’s potential and hoping a change of scenery will unlock his offensive game. Only time will tell who wins this trade.
It’s been a tumultuous week for the New York Rangers, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see more moves on the horizon. With the NHL trade deadline approaching, Drury may be looking to further reshape the roster and acquire pieces that better fit his vision. Keep an eye out for more New York Rangers rumors and potential trades in the coming days.
Stay Up-to-Date with the Latest New York Rangers News and Rumors
Want to stay informed about the latest New York Rangers news, NHL trade rumors, and find out what channel the NY Rangers game is on TV today? Be sure to add nhltraderumor.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletter below!
